SpongeBob, friends coming to Knox Memorial Theatre

Plunge into the sea, as MTVarts welcomes you to the Knox Memorial Theatre for four krabby patty-packed performances of “SpongeBob the Musical Youth Edition." Sponsored by Ariel Corporation, Triple P Parent Support Initiative and under the direction of Bruce Jacklin, the show runs September 12-14 for an evening performance on Friday or Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or a matinee performance on Saturday or Sunday at 2 p.m.

 When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world.

 “What truly sold me on this show was the music,” said Jacklin, Artistic Director for MTVarts. “The kids come alive on stage and are singing songs by some of their — and their parents’ — favorite artists. It’s lively and a ton of fun.”

 The SpongeBob Musical is based on the animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

 Tickets are $20 main floor and $15 for balcony with a $3 discount for children 10 and under. A $2 service fee will be added at checkout. Purchase tickets online at MTVarts.com, at Mount Vernon Arts Consortium office, 214 S. Main St., or at the door one hour prior to curtain. Ticketing information available at tickets@MVAC.org or by calling 740-462-4ART(278).

 Leading the cast of 44 young actors are Musical Director Kylie Stadler Hoam and Choreographer Tony Ingham. The production team also includes Stage Managers Serra Barrett and Chloe Skillman, Costumer Leah Miller and Master Carpenter Michael Sears. Visit MTVarts.com for a complete cast list.

SpongeBob the Musical Youth Edition is presented through special arrangement with and provision of materials by Concord Theatricals.

 MTVarts is a nonprofit, self-producing community production company, driven primarily by volunteers, with proven success providing live, local theatre. MTVarts also offers arts education at warehouse14 with classes and workshops. For more information, visit MTVarts.com.